Missouri's football program dates back to 1890, and has appeared in 31 bowl games (including 10 major bowl appearances: 4 Orange Bowls, 3 Cotton Bowls, 2 Sugar Bowls, and 1 Fiesta Bowl). Missouri has won 15 conference titles, 5 division titles, and has 2 national championship selections recognized by the NCAA.[3] Entering the 2017 season, Missouri's all-time record is 672–549–53 (.548).

The team was coached by Gary Pinkel (2001–2015), who is the winningest coach of all-time at Missouri (setting that mark with his 102nd win at the AT&T Cotton Bowl on January 3, 2014).[4] Pinkel's record with Mizzou after his final game on Nov. 27, 2015, is 118–73 (.618).

The Tigers were previously members of the Big 12 North division between its inception in 1996 and the dissolution of conference divisions within the Big 12 in 2011. The Tigers joined the SEC as members of the SEC East starting in 2012.

The nickname "Tigers", given to Mizzou's athletic teams, traces its origin to the Civil War period. At that time, plundering guerrilla bands habitually raided small towns, and Columbia people constantly feared an attack. Such organizations as temporary "home guards" and vigilance companies banded together to fight off any possible forays.

The town's preparedness discouraged any guerrilla activity and the protecting organization began to disband in 1864. However, it was rumored that a guerrilla band, led by the notorious Bill Anderson, intended to sack the town. Quickly organized was an armed guard of Columbia citizens, who built a blockhouse and fortified the old courthouse in the center of town. This company was called "The Missouri Tigers." The marauders never came. The reputation of the intrepid "Tigers" presumably traveled abroad, and Anderson's gang detoured around Columbia.[22]

The Tigers militia unit was commanded by James Rollins, upon whom the MU's Board of Curators later bestowed the title of "Pater Universitatis Missouriensis" (Father of the University of Missouri) in recognition of his "great efforts to promote the posterity, usefulness, and success" of the University.[23]

When the MU football team was first formed in 1890, at a mass meeting of students and interested citizens held to perfect the organization of the team, "Tigers" was unanimously selected as the team name, in recognition of Rollins and the town's civil war defenders.[24][25]

Truman the Tiger was introduced as the school's mascot against the Utah State Aggies in 1986, receiving his name from former president Harry S Truman. Truman has been named the "Nation's Best Mascot" three times since 1986, most recently in 2004.[26]